Kanté's Surprising Comeback: Deschamps Names Veteran Midfielder in French Euro Squad

Posted : 27 May 2024

Football often revolves around familiar phrases that have become clichés over time. Classic sayings like "Football is played for 90 minutes and at the end the Germans win" and "there are no easy games at this level" are staples in the sport. The industry sometimes struggles to innovate with new expressions, often sticking to tried-and-true lines. One modern classic, however, stands out: "Water covers 70 percent of the Earth, N'Golo Kanté covers the rest."

In his prime, N'Golo Kanté was an exceptional full-back, known for his incredible stamina, aggressive play, and sharp game intelligence. Standing at just 1.68 meters, his size didn't hinder his performance on the field; he was a formidable opponent for anyone trying to get past him.

By the age of 33, after suffering a serious hamstring injury and moving to the Saudi league, many thought his best days were behind him. This made it all the more surprising when Didier Deschamps included him in the French squad for the Euros, despite Kanté having faded into relative obscurity.

France's midfield was pivotal in their 2018 World Cup victory, with Kanté, Paul Pogba, and Blaise Matuidi forming an impenetrable core. This strength enabled players like Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé to shine.

However, the 2020 Euro and the 2022 World Cup saw a decline in their midfield performance, contributing to France's struggles. With injury concerns affecting key players like Orléan Chouameni and questions around younger talents like Warren Zaire-Emery, Deschamps turned to the experienced Kanté to bring stability and leadership to the squad.

Kanté's journey began in the mid-2010s when he transformed the English Premier League with Leicester City’s improbable title win in 2016. His impact was immediate, and he quickly became a sought-after player. Chelsea secured his talents, and he helped them win another Premier League title, followed by a Europa League and a Champions League victory.

As his career progressed and injuries took their toll, Kanté moved to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, lured by a lucrative contract. Despite the lower competitive level, he regained much of his form, prompting Deschamps to recall him to the national team, believing his experience and resilience would bolster France’s chances at the Euros.

Kanté's Surprising Comeback: Deschamps Names Veteran Midfielder in French Euro Squad

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